Greenhill Books, 1999, ISBN 1-85367-371-4, $75.00

Truly, Napoleon's Elite Cavalry represents a vast and spectacular undertaking to present the French Guard cavalry in all its Imperial splendour. The book is huge -- measuring a whopping 10x14 inches -- and each of the 91 color uniform plates takes up a full page.

And my oh my, are Rousselot's plates exquisite. The plates in the book (with the exception of just three) have never been published before. They were all commissioned by Anne S. K. Brown for private use and not for publication. The originals remain in the Anne S.K. Brown Collection, and the book includes 25 plates of the Dragoons, 27 of Chasseurs, 25 of Polish Light Cavalry, and 13 of the Grenadiers. Also included is one plate of Napoleon in his Chasseur uniform. Painstakingly accurate, in a variety of poses and situations (from parade to battle scenes), and with a variety of accoutrements, uniform buffs and miniature painters will treasure this book.

Ryan's text complements the paintings with added uniform details, anecdotes, and other commentary. Simply put, Napoleon's Elite Cavalry is a visual treasure from a talented artist. It's as big, bold, and beautiful as the subject it covers.

Info: Greenhill Books
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